Half Time Ireland Romping It 25-5 At Rugby World Cup

 

on 4 minutes in Ireland Caught it, drove it, scored it. As simple as that. But as  Sexton was about to set up for the conversion the TMO weighed in and said CJ Stander was obstructing in front after breaking from the maul.

 

The ref was having none of it, and the Ireland skipper got the try awarded. Sexton converted from wide right and Ireland went 7-0 up for a fast start to the game.

 

Just 4 minutes later Ireland had a penalty on halfway, which Sexton unsurprisingly launched in to touch for another catch and drive on the Samoa 22. The drive came with crushing inevitability, but Samoa repelled it before it was worked left into Furlong’s hands who had a cheeky little show and go before powering over through three tacklers from 8 metres out. Sexton converted making it 2 out of 2 and Ireland led 14-0.

 

On 22 minutes From a lineout in the Samoa half, Ireland gave  Aki and then Stander a run, the ball went out quick to Larmour who was joining the line in the 13 channel, he was through on the fullback and dollied an inside pass to Sexton to walk it in. Sexton again added the extras.

 Ireland had so far 82% of possession, and Samoa had used their 18% to give a masterclass in kicking the ball back to Ireland or dropping it but then Samoa won a lineout. It was off the top quickly and worked through two phases before Jack Lam picked and went from 2 metres and he was just too strong for Stander’s tackle to stop him scoring.

Henry Taefu pulled the conversion horribly left although Samoa were back in the game slightly at 21-5.

Half an hour gone and Ireland worked some phases around halfway, but the Samoa defence was up to it. They were not rushing up as much and holding their shape a bit better, and it was paying off. The ball was fumbled and there was a clash between Aki and Seuteni. Aki had hit him full on in the face with his shoulder and he was very upright. It was a red card and Ireland went down a man.

 Aki had very little time to decide his tackle, he found a man running at him after a fumble and had a split second to make a tackle in fairness but the ref had no option.

Just before half time  From a scrum, it was flung left on the short side to Sexton who looped around from the open side to dive over. That secured the bonus point.

Sexton missed the conversion which finished the half.